creed

1 of 2

noun

ˈkrēd 

1

: a brief authoritative formula of religious belief

the Nicene Creed

2

: a set of fundamental beliefs

also : a guiding principle

Never settle for mediocrity is his creed.

—Jill Lieber

creedal adjective

or credal

ˈkrē-dᵊl 

creedal

2 of 2

adjective

creed·​al

variants or less commonly credal

ˈkrē-dᵊl 

: of or relating to a creed

Synonyms of creed

Noun

• ideology
• philosophy

Examples of creed in a Sentence

Noun

central to the creed of this organization of medical volunteers is the belief that health care is a basic human right

the Amish live by a strict creed that rejects many of the values and practices of modern society

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Citizens of every creed, color, age and economic variety were there, all joyous in the win of such a good human being. — Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2026

The 13 producers who appear on Purity (Flips) could not be more different in creed and career. — Benny Sun, Pitchfork, 17 June 2026

In some ways, the histories of this school call back to those written in the 19th century, casting the country’s origin as providential—not quite an immaculate conception, but not far off—and emphasizing the morality and timelessness of America’s founding creed. — Yoni Appelbaum, The Atlantic, 8 June 2026

Those are job creators by the hundreds, and those jobs will go to workers of all creeds. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English crede, from Old English crēda, from Latin credo (first word of the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds), from credere to believe, trust, entrust; akin to Old Irish cretid he believes, Sanskrit śrad-dadhāti

Adjective

creedal from creed entry 1 + -al; credal probably from credo + -al

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for creed

• bead
• bleed
• brede
• breed
• cede
• deed
• feed
• freed
• greed
• heed
• keyed
• knead

Kids Definition

creed

noun

ˈkrēd 

1

: a statement of the basic beliefs of a religious faith

2

: a set of guiding principles or beliefs

Etymology

Noun

Middle English crede "creed," from Old English crēda (same meaning), from Latin credo, literally, "I believe" (used as the first words in many creeds), from credere "to believe, trust, entrust" — related to credentials, credit, incredible